Invention:
This invention provides an approach, including compositions and methods for delivering glycopeptides to biological cells. This is done using supramolecular assemblies made of glycopeptides and amphipathic molecules, which may be used to deliver therapeutics, including glycosylated hormones or their analogues, such as endomorphin, dermorphin, angiotensin, VEGF peptide fragment, oxytocin, VIP agonist, or PACAP agonist. This technology may enable formulations for a wide variety of therapeutics in pain, neuro, and other regulatory systems.
Background:
A current pharmaceutical challenge is the development of safe and effective oral formulations for macromolecules, including peptides and proteins. Barriers to developing oral formulations for proteins and peptides include poor intrinsic permeability, lumenal and cellular enzymatic degradation, rapid clearance, and chemical instability in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Pharmaceutical approaches to address these barriers that have been successful with traditional small, organic drug molecules have not readily translated into effective peptide and protein formulations.
The general strategy of pharmaceutical delivery using micelles and vesicles is well known in the art. Encapsulation and diffusion of drugs and pro-drugs in and from micelles and vesicles have been widely studied and various surfactants have been synthesized for the formation of said micelles and vesicles. The present invention features novel surfactant compositions that form micelles and vesicles.
Applications:
- Drug delivery
- Formulation for biomolecules
Advantages:
- Approach for effective delivery of macromolcules, including peptides and proteins
- Analytical methods for characterization are provided
